Margaret E. Kramer

MADISON- Margaret E. (Leuenberger) Kramer, 75, of Madison, WI died at Meriter Hospital on July 4, 2014 as a result of anaphylaxis from a bee sting. She was born on July 15, 1938 in Cambria, WI, third child of Swiss immigrants Ernest and Bertha (Bernet) Leuenberger. Margaret's childhood on a small family farm provided the foundation for her strong work ethic, gratitude for the earth's beauty and gifts, lifelong respect for animals, and loyalty to community and family. On August 26, 1961 she was united in marriage to Scott P. Kramer in Belleville, WI and remained his partner in life for 53 years. Together they raised 2 children in Racine, WI and, for 3 years, in England. She taught Tim and Beth the value of minimalism and resourcefulness; she was the family's 'do-it-yourself' expert - canning, refinishing furniture, and sewing curtains. She taught them the necessity of compassion and faith and the pleasure of a great euchre hand. As a family they traveled widely and camped often. Margaret continued to enjoy traveling and hiking and in recent years looked forward to winters in Arizona where she could do both. Margaret became a grandmother in 1998 and there was no role that wa...[more]

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ore important to her. She was a hands-on, loving, energetic grandma who was teacher, cheerleader, cook, seamstress, and playmate for each of her 4 beloved grandchildren. The stunning counted cross-stitch Christmas stockings she made for them will be heirlooms that will be passed from one generation to the next. Margaret was first and foremost a wife, mother, and grandmother but she fully enjoyed working outside of the home wherever she found a need for her skills. After graduating from high school in 1956, Margaret was employed by Fish & Schulkamp General Insurance Agency in Madison until 1965. She returned to work outside of the home in 1982 when she was employed with the Psychiatric Center of Racine, WI. After moving back to Madison in 1990 she worked for Environmental Consultants, Inc. for 10 years. She served others generously and passionately. She was an active and devoted member of West Middleton Lutheran Church, participating in numerous committees including the Human Concerns Committee and Church Council, assisting with events for Habitat for Humanity, and organizing apartments for Bhutanese refugee families. As well, Margaret volunteered at the American Family Children's hospital for 20 years, often rocking newborn babies who benefitted from her touch. Those Margaret leaves behind to cherish her memory include her husband Scott; children Timothy (Lori) Kramer of Monmouth, Illinois, and Elizabeth (Luke) Wuest of Oshkosh; and grandchildren Noah and Abigail Wuest of Oshkosh and Owen and Annaliese Walters-Kramer of Monmouth, Illinois. She will also be dearly missed by her brother Adolph (Lucy) Leuenberger of Belleville and her sister Ann Savonne of Madison along with many relatives and friends. The hole Margaret leaves in our lives is deep. At present our hearts are full of sorrow yet our memories are sweet and will be forever savored - Easter egg hunts on the farm, campfires at Sunrise Lodge, spirited card games, and snuggles in morning beds filled with books and toys and giggling kids. We are grateful for the years we had with her, her ministry to others, and her radiant smile. Her light and love remain in the Universe. The family would like to extend thanks to the nurses, physicians, and clergy in the Intensive Care Unit at Meriter Hospital as well as the neighbors, fellow church members, and friends who have called, offered food, provided transportation, and expressed their love for Margaret and concern for the family. A Celebration of Life will be held at WEST MIDDLETON LUTHERAN CHURCH, 3763 Pioneer Road, Middleton, on Friday, July 11, 2014 at 11am with Pastor Ted Lindquist officiating. Visitation will be held at the church on Thursday from 4 to 6pm and on Friday from 10am until the time of service. Lunch will be provided by the church immediately following the service. A private burial will take place at Forest Hill Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made to West Middleton Lutheran Church.